Vandalism takes toll on an Iron Mountain tradition

POWAY  For years, hikers have trekked to the 2,696-foot summit of Iron Mountain in Poway to enjoy the wildflowers and the 360-degree view, and record their musings in a notebook at the top.

The writings included celebrations of reaching the summit and reflections on deeper aspects of life, but vandalism has now deprived hikers of the opportunity to share their thoughts.

All that remains of the mailbox that once sheltered the notes from the elements is a tattered post and disfigured metal.

A telescope, fixed to a pole at the peak by the city of Poway, also was stolen recently but has since been replaced.

“It’s just people trying to cause trouble,” said Bob Hahn, Poway parks maintenance supervisor. “Vandals and bad people didn’t used to hike.”

The telescope, which had been replaced after it was damaged in the 2007 Witch Creek fire, was stolen in May 2009.

Poway replaced it at a cost of about $2,700, including labor.

The mailbox was a popular feature that attracted many to the mountain by giving people the opportunity to read what other hikers were thinking about and share their own reflections.

The box had been vandalized before, as well. In the past, people had set fire to the contents of the box.

“There are so many people that appreciate the trails, and some that can’t stand to have anything nice,” said Joan Steffan, Adopt-a-Trail volunteer coordinator.

Steffan has a collection of some writings that were saved. “It’s an important part of the city. … It lets us know what they think of the trails.”

The mailbox will be replaced in the coming months, Hahn said, so hikers will once again have a place to celebrate.

“After surviving cancer for four years, this is the first hike of this type I have attempted. Feels great to do it! God bless all here,” wrote a hiker named Alan, whose entry had ended up in Steffan’s box of mementos.

Other scribblings in the collection logged their writers’ hiking time.

“Holy cow, we made it up in less than a half-hour. Just in time to miss the sun going down. Beautiful colors,” Kelly wrote.

Some of the hikers used the panoramic view for introspection and made resolutions.

“I’ve finally gotten it right. No more wasted years. Just positive energy and happiness are all I need. Climb on,” wrote an anonymous author.

Vandalism also would occur at the foot of the mountain where cars parked along the road.

In February, a parking lot opened at the trail head. The Sheriff’s Department hoped the lot, at state Route 67 and Poway Road, would help deter vandalism of the vehicles.